Satellite network service sharing

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing network access services to mobile users via multi-user network access terminals over a multi-beam satellite system. Quality-of-service (QoS) is controlled for the mobile devices at a per-user level according to user-specific traffic policies Mobile users may be provisioned on the satellite system according to a set of traffic policies based on their service level agreement (SLA). System resources of the satellite may be allocated to mobile users based on the demand of each mobile user and the set of traffic polices associated with each mobile user, regardless of which multi-user network access terminal is used to access the system. Dynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users on the same satellite beam can take advantage of statistical multiplexing of large numbers of users and on different usage patterns between fixed terminals and mobile users.

CROSS REFERENCES

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/216,003, by Johnson, et al., entitled “Satellite NetworkService Sharing” filed Mar. 17, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/799,216 by Johnson et al.,entitled “Satellite Network Service Sharing,” filed Mar. 15, 2013,assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to wireless communications in general,and in particular, to broadband satellite communications networks.

As demand for broadband communications continues to grow around theworld, broadband satellite communication networks have been deployed andcontinue to be developed to address that demand.

SUMMARY

Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing high-qualityand consistent network access service to mobile users who receivenetwork access service via mobile terminals that provide serviceconcurrently to multiple mobile users. In embodiments, the satellitesystem 100 is configured to dynamically multiplex traffic from fixedterminals and mobile users on the same satellite beams. As demand fromfixed terminals and mobile users varies over time, system resources maybe allocated for each time period (e.g., frame, epoch, etc.) accordingto the demand and traffic policies for each fixed terminal and mobileuser. Because usage patterns vary between fixed terminals and mobileusers, multiplexing of a commonly provisioned resource pool for fixedterminals and mobile users may increase the efficiency of statisticalmultiplexing for the system resources (e.g., frequency, time, etc.) ofthe satellite system.

In embodiments, the system is configured to control QoS for networkaccess service for mobile devices accessing the system through themobile terminals at a per-user level. The mobile users 180 may have anexisting SLA with the satellite networking provider or may sign up forservice according to an SLA upon connecting to one of the mobileterminals 170. The mobile users 180 may be provisioned on the satellitesystem 100 according to a set of traffic policies based on their SLA.System resources of the satellite may be allocated to mobile users basedon the demand of each mobile user and the set of traffic policesassociated with each mobile user, regardless of which mobile terminal isused to access the system. Allocation of system resources to mobileusers based on demand and/or user-specific traffic policies may beperformed (for FL and/or RL) by scheduling of system resources and/ortraffic shaping of data traffic streams. For example, traffic flow maybe controlled individually for each mobile user using forward linktraffic shaping at the satellite gateway and/or return link trafficshaping at the mobile terminal. In embodiments, per-user QoS is combinedwith dynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobileusers on the same satellite beams to provide enhanced QoS for mobileusers with flexible bandwidth allocation and improved statisticalmultiplexing.

Some embodiments are directed to a method for providing network accessservices in a multi-beam satellite system including providing acommunication service via satellite beams of the multi-beam satellitesystem, receiving, from one or more multi-user network access terminalsserviced via a first satellite beam of a multi-beam satellite, firstresource requests for a first time period for first mobile data trafficassociated with a plurality of mobile devices in communication with theone or more multi-user network access terminals, wherein the pluralityof mobile devices are associated with user-specific traffic policies,and scheduling transmission of the first mobile data traffic on firstbeam resources of the first satellite beam according to the firstresource demands and the user-specific traffic policies.

In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, from at least onemulti-user network access terminal of the one or more multi-user networkaccess terminals, second resource demands for a second time period forsecond mobile data traffic associated with a subset of the plurality ofmobile devices in communication with the at least one multi-user networkaccess terminal, wherein the at least one multi-user network accessterminal is serviced via a second satellite beam of the multi-beamsatellite system for the second time period and scheduling transmissionof the second mobile data traffic on second beam resources of the secondsatellite beam according to the second resource demands and theuser-specific traffic policies. The second satellite beam may be asecond beam of the multi-beam satellite or a beam of a second multi-beamsatellite.

In some embodiments, the method includes identifying, for each of theplurality of mobile devices, traffic streams of the first mobile datatraffic associated with each mobile device. Scheduling transmission ofthe first mobile data traffic may include allocating the first beamresources to the one or more multi-user network access terminals basedon the first resource demands and the user-specific traffic policiesassociated with each of the plurality of mobile devices and determiningportions of the traffic streams to be transmitted on the first beamresources for the first time period based on the first resource demandsand the user-specific traffic policies associated with each of theplurality of mobile devices. Allocating the first beam resources to theone or more multi-user network access terminals may be further based onfixed resource demand for the first time period for fixed data trafficassociated with a plurality of fixed terminals serviced via the firstsatellite beam. Identifying the traffic streams of the first mobile datatraffic associated with each of the plurality of mobile devices may bebased on at least one of public Internet Protocol (IP) addresses,virtual local area network (VLAN) tags, socket port numbers, ortunneling protocol identifiers, or a combination thereof.

In some examples, the traffic streams are forward link traffic streams.The method may include transmitting the portions of the forward linktraffic streams to the one or more multi-user network access terminalson the first beam resources in the first time period. The method mayinclude performing, at a network resource scheduler, forward linktraffic shaping for the forward link traffic streams associated with theplurality of mobile devices based on the user-specific traffic policiesassigned to the plurality of mobile devices.

In other examples, the traffic streams may be return link trafficstreams. The method may include transmitting, from the one or moremulti-user network access terminals, the portions of the return linktraffic streams on the first beam resources in the first time period.The method may include performing, at the one or more multi-user networkaccess terminals, return link traffic shaping for the return linktraffic streams associated with the plurality of mobile devices based onthe user-specific traffic policies assigned to the plurality of mobiledevices.

In some embodiments, the user-specific traffic policies include a firstprovisioned service level for a first mobile device of the plurality ofmobile devices and a second provisioned service level different from thefirst provisioned service level for a second mobile device of theplurality of mobile devices and the scheduling of the first mobile datatraffic includes allocating a first portion of the first beam resourcesto the first mobile device and a second portion of the first beamresources to the second mobile device, the first and second portionsallocated based on the first and second provisioned service levels,respectively.

In some embodiments, the user-specific traffic policies associated witheach of the plurality of mobile devices include at least one of aminimum information rate (MinIR), a peak information rate (PIR), acommitted information rate (mobile data traffic first provisionedservice level first mobile device CIR), a time-based usage level, or acombination thereof.

In some embodiments, an identified resource demand for a first mobiledevice of the plurality of mobile devices is greater than a committedinformation rate (CIR) of the user-specific traffic policy associatedwith the first mobile device. Scheduling transmission of the firstmobile data traffic may include determining, for the first time period,an uncongested resource condition for the first satellite beam,allocating, to the first mobile device for the first time period,resources greater than the CIR of the user-specific traffic policyassociated with the first mobile device, determining, for a second timeperiod, a congested resource condition for the first satellite beam, andallocating, to the first mobile device for the second time period,resources corresponding to the CIR of the user-specific traffic policyassociated with the first mobile device.

Some embodiments are directed to a satellite communication system forproviding network access services, including a multi-beam satelliteproviding a communication service via satellite beams and a networkresource scheduler in communication with the multi-beam satellite, thenetwork resource scheduler including a network request module configuredto receive, from one or more multi-user network access terminalsserviced via a first satellite beam of a multi-beam satellite, firstresource requests for a first time period for first mobile data trafficassociated with a plurality of mobile devices in communication with theone or more multi-user network access terminals, wherein the pluralityof mobile devices are associated with user-specific traffic policies,and a satellite resource allocation module configured to scheduletransmission of the first mobile data traffic on first beam resources ofthe first satellite beam according to the first resource demands and theuser-specific traffic policies.

In some embodiments, the network request module is configured toreceive, from at least one multi-user network access terminal of the oneor more multi-user network access terminals, second resource demands fora second time period for second mobile data traffic associated with asubset of the plurality of mobile devices in communication with the atleast one multi-user network access terminal, wherein the at least onemulti-user network access terminal is serviced via a second satellitebeam of the multi-beam satellite system for the second time period, andthe satellite resource allocation module is configured to scheduletransmission of the second mobile data traffic on second beam resourcesof the second satellite beam according to the second resource demandsand the user-specific traffic policies.

In some embodiments, the network resource scheduler includes a networkrequest module configured to identify, for each of the plurality ofmobile devices, traffic streams of the first mobile data trafficassociated with each mobile device. The satellite resource allocationmodule may be configured to allocate the first beam resources to the oneor more multi-user network access terminals based on the first resourcedemands and the user-specific traffic policies associated with each ofthe plurality of mobile devices, and determine portions of the trafficstreams to be transmitted on the first beam resources for the first timeperiod based on the first resource demands and the user-specific trafficpolicies associated with each of the plurality of mobile devices.Allocating the first beam resources to the one or more multi-usernetwork access terminals may be further based on fixed resource demandfor the first time period for fixed data traffic associated with aplurality of fixed terminals serviced via the first satellite beam.

In some examples, the traffic streams are forward link traffic streams.The network resource scheduler may include a forward link trafficshaping module configured to perform forward link traffic shaping forthe forward link traffic streams associated with the plurality of mobiledevices based on the user-specific traffic policies assigned to theplurality of mobile devices.

In some examples, the traffic streams are return link traffic streams.The network resource scheduler may include a return link traffic shaperconfigured to perform return link traffic shaping for the return linktraffic streams associated with the plurality of mobile devices based onthe user-specific traffic policies assigned to the plurality of mobiledevices.

In some embodiments, identified resource demand for a first mobiledevice of the plurality of mobile devices is greater than a committedinformation rate (CIR) of the user-specific traffic policy associatedwith the first mobile device. The satellite resource allocation modulemay be configured to determine, for the first time period, anuncongested resource condition for the first satellite beam, allocate,to the first mobile device for the first time period, resources greaterthan the CIR of the user-specific traffic policy associated with thefirst mobile device, determine, for a second time period, a congestedresource condition for the first satellite beam, and allocate, to thefirst mobile device for the second time period, resources correspondingto the CIR of the user-specific traffic policy associated with the firstmobile device.

Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for providing networkaccess services in a multi-beam satellite communication system providinga communication service via satellite beams, including means forreceiving, from one or more multi-user network access terminals servicedvia a first satellite beam of a multi-beam satellite, first resourcerequests for a first time period for first mobile data trafficassociated with a plurality of mobile devices in communication with theone or more multi-user network access terminals, wherein the pluralityof mobile devices are associated with user-specific traffic policies,and means for scheduling transmission of the first mobile data trafficon first beam resources of the first satellite beam according to thefirst resource demands and the user-specific traffic policies.

In some embodiments, the means for receiving receives, from at least onemulti-user network access terminal of the one or more multi-user networkaccess terminals, second resource demands for a second time period forsecond mobile data traffic associated with a subset of the plurality ofmobile devices in communication with the at least one multi-user networkaccess terminal, wherein the at least one multi-user network accessterminal is serviced via a second satellite beam of the multi-beamsatellite system for the second time period and the means for schedulingschedules transmission of the second mobile data traffic on second beamresources of the second satellite beam according to the second resourcedemands and the user-specific traffic policies.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes means for identifying, foreach of the plurality of mobile devices, traffic streams of the firstmobile data traffic associated with each mobile device. The means forscheduling may allocate the first beam resources to the one or moremulti-user network access terminals based on the first resource demandsand the user-specific traffic policies associated with each of theplurality of mobile devices and determine portions of the trafficstreams to be transmitted on the first beam resources for the first timeperiod based on the first resource demands and the user-specific trafficpolicies associated with each of the plurality of mobile devices. Themeans for scheduling may allocate the first beam resources to the one ormore multi-user network access terminals further based on fixed resourcedemand for the first time period for fixed data traffic associated witha plurality of fixed terminals serviced via the first satellite beam.

In some examples, the traffic streams are forward link traffic streams.The apparatus may include means for performing forward link trafficshaping for the forward link traffic streams associated with theplurality of mobile devices based on the user-specific traffic policiesassigned to the plurality of mobile devices.

In some examples, the traffic streams are return link traffic streams.The apparatus may include means for performing return link trafficshaping for the return link traffic streams associated with theplurality of mobile devices based on the user-specific traffic policiesassigned to the plurality of mobile devices.

In some embodiments, an identified resource demand for a first mobiledevice of the plurality of mobile devices is greater than a committedinformation rate (CIR) of the user-specific traffic policy associatedwith the first mobile device. The means for scheduling may determine,for the first time period, an uncongested resource condition for thefirst satellite beam, allocate, to the first mobile device for the firsttime period, resources greater than the CIR of the user-specific trafficpolicy associated with the first mobile device, determine, for a secondtime period, a congested resource condition for the first satellitebeam, and allocate, to the first mobile device for the second timeperiod, resources corresponding to the CIR of the user-specific trafficpolicy associated with the first mobile device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments ofthe present disclosure may be realized by reference to the followingdrawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features mayhave the same reference label. Further, various components of the sametype may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash anda second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If onlythe first reference label is used in the specification, the descriptionis applicable to any one of the similar components having the same firstreference label irrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of an example satellite communicationssystem 100 in which the principles included herein may be described

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a commonly provisionedresource pool for fixed terminals and mobile terminals serving mobileusers in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating dynamic multiplexing oftraffic from fixed terminals and mobile users on the same satellite beamin accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of aspects of a satellite communications system forproviding network access service to mobile users via mobile terminalswith per-user quality of service in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a core node for managing traffic flow toprovide per-user quality of service in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance withvarious embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating aspects of providingper-user quality of service for mobile users connected to mobileterminals in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating aspects of return linktraffic shaping for providing per-user quality of service for mobileusers connected to mobile terminals in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a network resource scheduler inaccordance with various embodiments

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method ofallocating resources in a satellite communications system providingper-user quality of service for mobile users and dynamic multiplexing oftraffic from fixed terminals and mobile users on the same satellitebeams in accordance with various embodiments

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method ofallocating resources in a satellite communications system providingper-user quality of service for mobile users in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method for dynamicmultiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users on thesame satellite beams in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method for dynamicmultiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users on thesame satellite beams in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method ofallocating resources in a satellite communications system providingper-user quality of service for mobile users in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method ofallocating resources in a satellite communications system providingper-user quality of service for mobile users in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method ofallocating resources in a satellite communications system providingper-user quality of service for mobile users in accordance with variousembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description provides examples, and is not intended to limit thescope, applicability or configuration of embodiments of the principlesdescribed herein. Rather, the ensuing description will provide thoseskilled in the art with an enabling description for implementingembodiments of the principles described herein. Various changes may bemade in the function and arrangement of elements.

Thus, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add variousprocedures or components as appropriate. For instance, it should beappreciated that the methods may be performed in an order different thanthat described, and that various steps may be added, omitted orcombined. Also, aspects and elements described with respect to certainembodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. It should alsobe appreciated that the following systems, methods, devices, andsoftware may individually or collectively be components of a largersystem, wherein other procedures may take precedence over or otherwisemodify their application.

Communication satellites have evolved from one-way broadcast servicessuch as broadcast television service to bi-directional network accessservices such as Internet access, telephony, streaming media, privatenetworking, and/or other networking services. Generally, satellitenetwork access services are provided via satellite terminals that cantransmit and receive to a satellite via beams of the satellite. Eachterminal within the coverage area of a satellite beam shares systemresources (e.g., system bandwidth, time, etc.) with the other terminalslocated within the beam. Service may be provided for subscribers byallocating system resources of the service beam to each terminalaccording to a service level agreement (SLA) between the satellitenetworking provider and the subscriber associated with the terminal. TheSLA may specify Quality of Service (QoS) to be provided at the terminalaccording to a set of traffic policies (e.g., rate-based, usage-based,time-based, etc.). For example, QoS for terminals may be specified by aminimum information rate (MinIR), committed information rate (CIR), peakinformation rate (PIR), a maximum amount of data (e.g., 2 GB/month),and/or the like.

Communication satellites may be single-beam satellites covering ageographical area with a single beam or multi-beam satellites coveringgeographical areas with a number of spot beams. A spot beam is asatellite signal focused on a limited geographic area of the Earth. Byreducing the coverage area of the beam, a more directional antenna maybe used by the satellite to transmit data to and receive data from aregion of the Earth. Because the gain of an antenna is typicallyproportional to its directionality, a spot beam may be transmitted at ahigher gain than a satellite signal with a wider coverage area at thesame amount of power. This higher gain can produce bettersignal-to-noise (SNR) ratio at the terminal, which allows for higherrates of data transfer between the satellite and terminals. As anotherexample, less transmitter power is required for terminals to transmit tospot-beam satellites, allowing for smaller and less expensive terminals.Additionally, spot-beam satellites include the ability to reuse the samefrequency bands and channels throughout the spot-beam pattern andassociated coverage area.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of an example satellite communicationssystem 100 in which the principles included herein may be described. Thesatellite communications system 100 may be any suitable type ofsatellite system, including a geostationary satellite system, mediumearth orbit (MEO), or low earth orbit (LEO) satellite system. Inembodiments, satellite communications system 100 includes one or moregeostationary multi-beam satellites 105 configured to communicate withsubscriber terminals 130 located within a defined geographical servicearea. Each subscriber terminal 130 is located within at least oneservice beam 135 and is capable of two-way communication with thesatellite 105 via an antenna 125. Each subscriber terminal 130 may beconnected with (e.g., may provide network access service for) one ormore customer devices 160 (e.g., desktop computers, laptops, set-topboxes, smartphones, tablets, Internet-enabled televisions, and thelike). These customer devices 160 may also be known as customer premisesequipment (CPE).

The network 120 may be any suitable type of network and may connect thegateway system 115 with other gateway systems, which may also be incommunication with the satellite(s) 105. Alternatively, a separatenetwork linking gateways and other nodes may be employed tocooperatively service user traffic. The gateway system 115 may belocated within the service area, or may be located outside of theservice area in various embodiments. The network 120 may includenetworks of the satellite communication service provider and third-partynetworks such as content delivery networks (CDNs), private networks, theInternet, and the like.

The operation of satellite communications system 100 can be separatedinto a forward (downstream) direction and a return (upstream) direction.In the forward direction or forward link (FL), data arrives at gateway115 from network 120, gateway 115 transmits that data up to satellite105 over forward feeder links 135, and satellite 105 relays that datadown in forward service links 145 to subscriber terminals 130. In thereturn direction or return link (RL), subscriber terminals 130 transmitreturn service links 150 up to satellite 105, satellite 105 relays thatdata down to gateway 115 in return feeder links 140, and gateway 115forwards that data to network 120.

The gateway system 115 may be configured to format the data andinformation along with control signals for delivery via the satellite105 to the respective subscriber terminals 130. The gateway system 115may format the data and information using a modulation and coding scheme(MCS) that may be custom to the satellite or similar to others in theindustry. Satellites may also employ Adaptive Coding and Modulation(ACM) or Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) to vary the MCS dependingon channel conditions and/or other factors. Similarly, the gatewaysystem 115 may also be configured to receive signals from the satellite105 (e.g., from one or more subscriber terminals 130) that are directedto a destination in the network 120.

The gateway system 115 may use an antenna 110 to transmit signals to andreceive signals from the satellite 105. In one embodiment, ageostationary satellite 105 is configured to receive signals from theantenna and within the frequency band and specific polarizationtransmitted. In one embodiment, the satellite 105 operates in amulti-beam mode, transmitting a number (e.g., typically 20-150, etc.) ofspot beams each directed at a different region of the earth. This canallow coverage of a relatively large geographical area and frequencyre-use within the covered area. Spot beams for communication withsubscriber terminals 130 may be called service beams while spot beamsfor communication with gateways may be called feeder beams. Inembodiments, the service beams are fixed location spot beams, meaningthat the angular beam width and coverage area for each service beam doesnot intentionally vary with time.

With such a multi-beam satellite, there may be a number of differentsignal switching configurations, allowing signals from a single gatewaysystem 115 to be switched between different spot beams. The signalstransmitted from the satellite 105 may be received by one or moresubscriber terminals 130 via a respective subscriber antenna 125.Similarly, signals transmitted from the subscriber terminals 130 via therespective subscriber antennas 125 may be received at the satellite 105and directed to the gateway system 115 from the satellite 105.

Each service beam of the satellite 105 supports the terminals 130 withinits coverage area (e.g., providing uplink and downlink resources).Frequency re-use between spot beams may be provided by assigning one, ormore, ranges of frequencies (which may be referred to as channels) toeach spot beam and/or by use of orthogonal polarizations. A particularfrequency range and/or polarization may be called a “color,” andfrequency re-use in a tiled spot beam satellite system may be accordingto color. The coverage of different beams may be non-overlapping or havevarying measures of overlap. In one embodiment, spot beams of thesatellite 105 may be tiled and partially overlapping to provide completeor almost complete coverage for a relatively large geographical area(e.g., the Contiguous United States (CONUS), etc.) where partiallyoverlapping or adjacent beams use different ranges of frequencies and/orpolarizations. Each beam may contain a gateway, user terminals, or agateway and user terminals. Gateway beams and service beams may also beseparated from each other to allow frequency reuse between gateway anduser beams. In some embodiments, satellite(s) 105 includes multiplesatellites, each satellite providing coverage for a service area, whereservice areas for different satellites are non-overlapping oroverlapping. One or more satellites may have more narrowly focusedservice beams providing higher data rates to regions with more elevateddemand.

Increasingly, users desire to have network access service through mobiledevices (e.g., smartphones, laptops, tablets, netbooks, and the like)while travelling. For example, there is a growing demand for networkaccess service during air travel. Satellite communications systemsoriginally designed for providing network access service tofixed-location terminals (e.g., subscriber terminals 130) can alsoprovide network access service on airplanes (or other modes oftransportation) through mobile terminals installed on the airplanes.Users can connect their mobile devices to the mobile terminal via wiredor wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, etc.) connections and network access isprovided via the service beams of the satellite(s). While existingsatellite systems can provide network access service to mobile users,providing a quality network access experience to mobile users thatconnect via mobile terminals that each provide network access service toa number of mobile users concurrently provides several challenges.

Typically, a mobile network access service provider that providesservice via mobile terminals purchases a fixed portion of systemresources (e.g., specific carriers of a frequency spectrum, a fixedamount of bandwidth, and the like) from a satellite operator to supportthe provided network access service. This fixed portion of systemresources is then divided up by the mobile network access serviceprovider to support each mobile terminal (e.g., equally, according toaggregate demand of users supported by the terminal, etc.). In this typeof service structure, if the mobile network access service provider buysenough system resources to provide adequate service for all usersconnected during peak use of the mobile service, these system resourcesmay be under-utilized during less congested times. If, however, themobile network access service provider buys fewer system resources toreduce the under-utilization of purchased resources during un-congestedtimes, users will experience poor quality service during times of morecongested use. Thus, the mobile network access service provider attemptsto anticipate demand, which may lead to under-utilization of purchasedresources if the provider over-anticipates demand or a poor quality userexperience where the provider under-anticipates demand.

Further, some users may take up a disproportionate share of the systemresources of the mobile service, degrading the experience for otherusers. While it may be possible to restrict some types of traffic (e.g.,high definition video, etc.), managing traffic flow for service providedthrough satellite terminals presents several challenges. For example,when network access is provided to multiple devices through an accesspoint (e.g., Wi-Fi router, etc.), the access point is assigned(statically or dynamically) a public address (e.g., public IPv4 or IPv6address) by a service provider. Typically, the access point maintains aprivate network for the connected devices with a private address spaceand performs network address translation (NAT) to control traffic flowbetween the devices and external networks (e.g., the Internet). Thus,traffic streams to or from multiple devices behind the access point willappear to nodes on an external network (e.g., the Internet) asassociated with the same point (e.g., the public IP address of theaccess point). In a communication network where bandwidth is limitedbetween external networks and the access point, managing downstreamtraffic individually for each device behind the access point maytherefore be challenging, because the external network may not be ableto identify packets destined for individual devices. While the accesspoint can identify downstream traffic for individual devices todistribute the traffic correctly, once the traffic reaches the accesspoint, it has already caused congestion of the bandwidth limited networklink.

These and other issues of providing satellite network access service viamobile terminals typically result in inconsistent user experiencesranging from good connectivity at times to poor or even unusableconnectivity at other times, often within the same session (e.g., thesame flight, etc.).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the satellite communication system 100 mayalso provide network access service to mobile users 180-a-1 to 180-a-nvia mobile terminals 170. Each mobile user 180-a-1 to 180-a-n (via amobile device 175, etc.), may be provided service on the satellitecommunication system 100 by connecting (e.g., via a wired or wirelessconnection) to a mobile terminal 170. As illustrated in FIG. 1, mobiledevices 175-a-1 to 175-a-n are connected via wired or wirelessconnections (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.) to an airplane-mounted mobileterminal 170-a. Mobile terminal 170-a receives data from satellite(s)105 via forward link 155-a and transmits data to satellite(s) 105 viareturn link 160-a. As mobile terminal 170-a moves within the servicearea of satellite(s) 105, it may be serviced by one or more servicebeams of the satellite(s) 105 that also service fixed terminals 130. Forexample, a single flight may pass through the service beam regions forseveral different service beams and service for mobile terminal 170-amay be handed off between beams as mobile terminal 170-a progressesthrough the flight path. Each of the different service beams may servicedifferent groups of fixed terminals 130. While satellite communicationsystem 100 is illustrated providing mobile network access service tomobile users 180 aboard airplane 185-a, it can be appreciated that theprinciples described herein for providing network access service tomobile users may be provided using multi-user or multi-subscribernetwork access terminals positioned in fixed locations or on variousmodes of transportation where multiple mobile users may desire networkaccess via satellite communications system 100 (e.g., trains, boats,busses, etc.).

In embodiments, the satellite system 100 is configured to providehigh-quality and consistent network access service to mobile users whoreceive network access service via mobile terminals that provide serviceconcurrently to multiple mobile users. In embodiments, the satellitesystem 100 is configured to dynamically multiplex traffic from fixedterminals and mobile users on the same satellite beams. As demand fromfixed terminals and mobile users varies over time, system resources maybe allocated for each time period (e.g., frame, epoch, etc.) accordingto demand and traffic policies for each fixed terminal and mobile user.Because usage patterns vary between fixed terminals and mobile users,multiplexing fixed terminals and mobile users over a commonlyprovisioned resource pool may increase the resources (e.g., frequency,time, etc.) available to each fixed terminal and/or mobile user on astatistical basis.

In embodiments, the system is configured to control QoS for networkaccess service for mobile devices accessing the system through themobile terminals at a per-user level. The mobile users 180 may have anexisting SLA with the satellite networking provider or may sign up forservice according to an SLA upon connecting to one of the mobileterminals 170. The mobile users 180 may be provisioned on the satellitesystem 100 according to a set of traffic policies based on their SLA.System resources of the satellite may be allocated to mobile users basedon the demand of each mobile user and the set of traffic policesassociated with each mobile user, regardless of which mobile terminal isused by the mobile users to access the system. Allocation of systemresources to mobile users based on demand and/or user-specific trafficpolicies may be performed (for FL and/or RL) by scheduling of systemresources and/or traffic shaping of data traffic streams. For example,traffic flow may be controlled individually for each mobile user usingforward link traffic shaping at the satellite gateway 115 or network 120and/or return link traffic shaping at the mobile terminal. Inembodiments, per-user traffic policies are combined with dynamicmultiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users on thesame satellite beams to provide enhanced QoS for mobile users withflexible bandwidth allocation and improved efficiency of statisticalmultiplexing.

Returning to FIG. 1, fixed satellite terminals 130-a to 130-n and mobileterminal 170-1 may be serviced by the same satellite beam of amulti-beam satellite 105. The satellite system 100 may be configured todynamically allocate portions (up to all) of system resources of thesatellite beam to fixed satellite terminals 130-a to 130-n and mobileterminal 170-1 from a commonly scheduled resource pool depending on thedemands of each fixed satellite terminal 130 and mobile user 180 and/ortraffic policies associated with each fixed satellite terminal 130and/or mobile user 180.

FIG. 2A is a diagram 200-a illustrating a commonly provisioned resourcepool for fixed terminals and mobile terminals serving mobile users inaccordance with various embodiments. FIG. 2A may illustrate, forexample, provisioned resources for a satellite beam of satellite system100 in un-congested conditions. For clarity, the satellite beam isillustrated as providing service for a small number of mobile terminalsand fixed terminals. However, it should be understood that each beam mayserve thousands or more of fixed terminals and dozens or hundreds ofmobile terminals, where each mobile terminal may provide network accessservice for dozens or hundreds of connected mobile users. In addition,it should be understood that mobile users may be connected to mobileterminals 170 on a transient basis and may receive service fromdifferent mobile terminals 170 under the same SLA. Mobile users mayestablish an account for service according to an SLA and then connect tomultiple mobile terminals 170 using their account information as theytravel. For example, the mobile user may connect to a first mobileterminal 170 on an airplane flight, connect to a second multi-usernetwork access terminal 170 at a fixed location (e.g., coffee shop,etc.), and connect to a third mobile terminal 170 on a return flight. Itshould also be appreciated that the number of mobile users connected toeach mobile terminal 170 may vary over time (e.g., based on take-rate ofthe service on particular flights, airplane capacity, etc.).

In FIG. 2A, fixed terminals (e.g., subscriber terminals 130, etc.) maybe provisioned (e.g., for FL and/or RL) for service according toterminal-specific traffic policies including CIR 220 and/or PIR 225. Theterminal-specific traffic policies may be based on SLAs between thefixed terminal subscribers and the satellite network service provider.For example, fixed terminal 130-a may be provisioned for CIR 220-a andPIR 225-a while fixed terminal 130-n may be provisioned for CIR 220-nand PIR 225-n. Other fixed terminals 130 may be provisioned for servicein a similar manner and different fixed terminals may be provisioned fordifferent service levels (not shown).

In FIG. 2A, mobile users may be provisioned (e.g., for FL and/or RL) forservice according to user-specific traffic policies that may berate-based, usage-based, and/or time-based. For example, user 180-a-1may be provisioned for CIR 240-a-1 and PIR 245-a-1 and user 180-a-n maybe provisioned for CIR 240-a-n and PIR 245-a-n. Other users connected tothe mobile terminal 170-a may be provisioned for service in a similarmanner and different levels of service may be offered. For example, athird user 180 may be provisioned for CIR 250-a-2 and PIR 255-a-2. Users180 connected to other mobile terminals 170 may be provisioned in asimilar manner. For example, user B1, user B2, and user BN connected toa second mobile terminal 170 may be provisioned for CIR 240-b-1 and PIR245-b-1, CIR 250-b-2 and PIR 255-b-2, and CIR 240-b-n and PIR 245-b-2,respectively. Provisioned resources 230 may represent the aggregateprovisioned resources for users connected to a satellite network accessterminal that provides service to multiple users 180 according touser-specific traffic policies (e.g., mobile terminals 170). Forexample, provisioned resources 230-a may represent provisioned resourcesfor users connected to one multi-user satellite network access terminaland provisioned resources 230-b may represent provisioned resources forusers connected to a different multi-user satellite network accessterminal.

In FIG. 2A, multiplexed satellite beam resources 210-a may representaggregate multiplexed provisioned resources for the satellite beam. Forexample, multiplexed satellite beam resources 210-a may represent anaggregate forward link PIR for all fixed satellite terminals and mobileusers serviced by the beam and may be greater than the physicalresources of the satellite beam.

Where the satellite beam is uncongested, as is illustrated in FIG. 2A,some fixed satellite terminals 130 and/or mobile users 180 can beallocated resources based on their resource demand (e.g., up to theirassigned PIR) while other terminals 130 and/or mobile users 180 areusing fewer resources. Typically, the instantaneous demand for fixedsatellite terminals and mobile users serviced by a beam will besubstantially lower than the theoretical demand based on the peak usagerates for each fixed terminal and mobile user. Thus, the statisticallymultiplexed satellite beam resources 210-a may be substantially greaterthan instantaneous demand based on the provisioned resources to eachfixed terminal 130 and mobile user 180.

FIG. 2B is a diagram 200-b illustrating a commonly provisioned resourcepool for fixed terminals and mobile terminals serving mobile users inaccordance with various embodiments. FIG. 2B may illustrate, forexample, the effects of network congestion on the provisioned resourcesillustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2B may illustrate how congestion of the satellite beam affectsscheduling of resources in the satellite system. As illustrated in FIG.2B, when the resource demand for a substantial number of users (e.g.,fixed terminals 130 and mobile users 180) increases to the point thatthe demand approaches the physical resource capacity of the satellitebeam, the allocated resources for each fixed terminal and/or mobile usermay be further constrained (e.g., by CIR, MinIR, etc.). While theprovided capacity for each fixed terminal 130 and mobile user 180 ismore constrained in FIG. 2B, each fixed terminal 130 and mobile user 180may still receive a portion of system resources that is consistent withtheir service expectation based on the QoS specified in their SLAs.Multiplexed satellite beam resources 210-b may represent statisticalmultiplexing based on traffic policies (e.g., CIR, etc.), or mayrepresent the physical resource capacity of the satellite beam, in someembodiments.

As described above, dynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminalsand mobile users on the same satellite beam can take advantage ofstatistical multiplexing of large numbers of users and on the differentusage patterns between fixed terminals and mobile users. FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate dynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals andmobile users on the same satellite beam in accordance with variousembodiments. FIG. 3A may illustrate, for example, resource demands forsatellite terminals ST1, ST2, and STN (e.g., satellite terminals 130-a,130-n, etc.) and mobile devices A1, A2, B1, and B2 (e.g., associatedwith mobile users 180, etc.) over time. Mobile devices A1 and A2 may beconnected to a mobile terminal A (e.g., mobile terminal 170-a) whilemobile devices B1 and B2 may be connected to a different mobile terminalB 170. Each satellite terminal 130 may be provisioned for serviceaccording to terminal-specific traffic policies including CIR 220 and/orPIR 225. The users associated with mobile devices A1, A2, and B1 may beprovisioned for service according to user-specific traffic policiesincluding CIR 240 and/or PIR 245. The user associated with mobile deviceB2 may be provisioned for service according to user-specific trafficpolicies including CIR 250 and/or PIR 255, which may be, for example, ahigher level of service than CIR 240 and/or PIR 245.

Over the time period illustrated in FIG. 3A, fixed terminals ST1, ST2,and STN may request resources illustrated by resource demands 330-a,330-b, and 330-n, respectively. Mobile devices A1, A2, B1, and B2 mayrequest resources illustrated by resource demands 340-a-1, 340-a-2,340-b-1, and 340-b-2, respectively. Resource demands 330 and/or 340 mayrepresent an amount of resources requested for transmission of datatraffic (e.g., FL or RL) associated with a data traffic stream to orfrom each fixed terminal 130 and/or mobile device 175 over a beam of thesatellite system.

FIG. 3B may illustrate scheduled resources for fixed terminals ST1, ST2,and STN, and mobile devices A1, A2, B1, and B2, and the resources 310(e.g., data capacity of the beam) to be allocated to the fixed terminalsand/or mobile devices serviced by the beam. System resources of thesatellite beam 310 serving fixed terminals 130 (e.g., ST1, ST2, andSTN), and mobile terminals 170 (e.g., mobile terminal A, mobile terminalB, etc.) may be broken up into different frequencies, carriers,spreading codes, and the like. Thus, the system resources 310 may be,for example, capacity of the beam (a portion or all) and may beallocated to fixed and/or mobile terminals by carriers, time divisionmultiplexing, spreading codes, and the like.

As illustrated by FIG. 3B, resources may be dynamically allocatedbetween fixed terminals and mobile users according to demand andprovisioned traffic policies. Scheduled resource allocations illustratedin FIG. 3B include resource allocations 320-a, 320-b, and 320-n forfixed terminals ST1, ST2, and STN, respectively. The mobile users 180may be scheduled according to resource allocations 325-a-1, 325-a-2,325-b-1, and 325-b-2 for mobile devices A1, A2, B1, and B2,respectively. In FIG. 3B, resource allocations 320-a, 320-b, 320-n,325-a-1, 325-a-2, 325-b-1, and 325-b-2 may represent amounts ofresources used and may not represent a range of frequencies or carriersof the system bandwidth used by the respective terminals or mobileusers. For example, for each time period, fixed terminals 130 and mobiledevices 175 may be allocated the illustrated amount of resources on anyavailable frequency range and/or carriers and the allocated frequencyranges and/or carriers for one fixed terminal 130 or mobile device 175may vary with time.

At time T1, the satellite beam may be uncongested and fixed terminals130 and mobile devices 175 may be allocated system resources based ontheir demand and associated traffic policies (e.g., up to PIR 225, 245,255, etc.). Thus, at time T1, mobile terminal A may be allocatedresources 370-1, mobile terminal B may be allocated resources 375-1, andfixed terminals ST1, ST2, and STN may be allocated resources 365-1.

At time T2, the amount of resource demands has increased, and thesatellite beam resources 310 (e.g., data capacity) may be congested. Asillustrated in FIG. 3A for time T2, fixed terminal ST1 may requestresources 335-a, fixed terminal STN may request resources 345-a, mobiledevice A1 may request resources 350-a, mobile device B1 may requestresources 355-a, and mobile device B2 may request resources 360-a. Asillustrated in FIG. 3B, resources may be allocated at time T2 based onthe demand of each fixed terminal 130, each mobile device 175 (ordevices for a particular mobile user 180), and the terminal-specific anduser-specific traffic policies to provide service according to the SLAsfor each fixed terminal 130 and mobile user 180. In embodiments, datatraffic streams associated with each fixed terminal and/or mobile devicemay be scheduled on resources according to demand and an associated CIR(e.g., CIR 220, 240, and/or 250, etc.). For example, fixed terminals ST1and STN may be allocated resources 335-b and 345-b at time T2,respectively. Resources 335-b and 345-b may correspond to CIR 220-a andCIR 220-n, respectively. Mobile devices A1, B1, and B2 may be allocatedresources 350-b, 355-b, and 360-b at time T2, respectively. Resources350-b, 355-b, and 360-b may correspond to CIR 240-a-1, CIR 240-b-1, andCIR 250-b-2, respectively.

At time T2, mobile terminal A may be allocated resources 370-2, mobileterminal B may be allocated resources 375-2, and fixed terminals ST1,ST2, and STN may be allocated resources 365-2. Thus, each mobileterminal 170 may be allocated resources based on individual allocationsfor each connected mobile device 175, where resources for each connectedmobile device 175 are allocated based on user-specific traffic policiesof the associated mobile user 180. Additionally, the proportion ofresources (e.g., beam bandwidth 310, etc.) allocated to all mobileterminals 170 may vary with time and according to demand and trafficpolicies.

Where congestion occurs for a satellite beam (e.g., at time T2),resources may be allocated to fixed terminals 130 and mobile users 180first up to minIR or CIR, then additional available resources may beallocated (e.g., by fair sharing, weighted fair sharing, etc.) based onresource demand and a higher provisioned service level (e.g., PIR, etc.)for each fixed terminal 130 and mobile user 180. Where heavy congestionoccurs (e.g., demands for resources at or exceeding minIR or CIR levelsexceed the beam capacity), fair sharing or weighed fair sharing may beused to allocate resources to each fixed terminal 130 and mobile user180 according to their resource demands and scaled provisioned levels.Additionally or alternatively, priority may be given for allocation ofresources to some types of traffic (e.g., VoIP, streaming media, HTTP,etc.) over others. Resources may be allocated for each mobile terminal170 based on the aggregate resources allocated to mobile users 180accessing the satellite network access system through the mobileterminal 170.

Increasing the number of users and types of use (e.g., fixed terminalsvs. mobile users, etc.) may increase the efficiency of statisticalmultiplexing for beams of the satellite system. For example, astatistical multiplexing factor (e.g., 5×, 10×, 100×, etc.) ofprovisioned PIR usage vs. physical satellite resources may be increasedif different types of users have different resource use profiles. Forexample, fixed terminals may typically use more resources during eveninghours while mobile users receiving service on airplanes may tend to usemore resources in the early morning and afternoon when a higherproportion of flights are in the air.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of aspects of a satellite communications system 400for providing network access service to mobile users via mobileterminals with per-user QoS in accordance with various embodiments.Satellite communications system 400 includes a ground-based serviceprovider network 410 and one or more satellites 105 providing networkaccess service to mobile users 180 using mobile devices 175 via mobileterminals 170. The satellite(s) 105 may be multi-beam satellites and maycommunicate with satellite gateways 115 via forward links 135 and returnlinks 140 (e.g., via a feeder beam of the satellite(s) 105). Thesatellite(s) 105 may communicate with the mobile terminals 170 overforward links 155 and return links 160 (e.g., via a service beam of thesatellite(s) 105). Forward links 155 and return links 160 may beestablished via a first service beam of the multi-beam satellite systemand may be transitioned to a second, different service beam (e.g.,handover of the mobile terminal) based on mobility of the mobileterminal 170 (e.g., movement from the coverage area of the first servicebeam to the coverage area of the second service beam). The secondservice beam may be a second service beam of the same satellite or aservice beam of a second satellite of the satellite communication system400.

In some embodiments of the satellite communication system 400 havingmultiple satellites 105 supporting network access communication servicefor mobile users 180 via mobile terminals 170, one or more satellites105 may support higher capacity beams (e.g., higher gain spot beams,etc.) than others of the multiple satellites 105. In some cases, ahigher capacity beam may be capable of providing higher service levels(e.g., a higher data rate, etc.) for fixed terminals 130 and mobileterminals 170 serviced by the higher capacity beam. Thus, the data rate(e.g., in Mbps, etc.) for a mobile device 175 may depend on the capacityof the beam servicing the mobile device 175 (via mobile terminals 170),and may vary as the mobile device 175 connects to the satellite systemvia different mobile terminals or the mobile terminal 170 providingservice to the mobile device 175 transitions from being served by onebeam to another. However, the data rate provided for a given mobiledevice 175 may still depend on the SLA for the mobile user 180associated with the mobile device 175. For example, when a mobile device175 of a first mobile user 180 is provided service via a first beam withlower gain or higher congestion, the mobile device 175 may be provided afirst data rate (e.g., by scheduling and/or traffic shaping) thatdepends on the service level (e.g., MinIR, CIR, PIR, etc.) of the SLA ofthe first mobile user 180 in relation to the service levels of othermobile users 180 and fixed terminals 130 serviced by the first beam.When the mobile device 175 is provided service via a second beam (e.g.,via mobility of the mobile device 175 and associated mobile terminal 170or connection to a different mobile terminal 170 in a differentlocation, etc.) having higher gain or lower congestion, the mobiledevice may be provided a second data rate that is higher than the firstdata rate, where the second data rate depends on the service level(e.g., MinIR, CIR, PIR, etc.) of the SLA of the first mobile user 180 inrelation to the service levels of other mobile users 180 and fixedterminals 130 serviced by the second beam.

The satellite provider network 410 may include satellite gateways 115,core nodes 445, and network operations center (NOC) 415. NOC 415 maymanage satellite operations and network traffic. The satellite systemprovider network 410 may include a network operations center (NOC) 415,one or more core nodes 445 for managing and controlling traffic flow innetwork 410, and satellite gateways 115. Satellite service providernetwork 410 may also be connected to the Internet 450 and/or othernetworks such as content delivery networks (CDNs), private networks, andthe like (not shown). NOC 415 may include network management services(NMS) 425 and/or billing/operation support systems (B/OSS) 420. NMS 425may manage configuration and monitoring of network 410 and may includesystems for network fault management, performance monitoring,configuration management, and/or network diagnostics. B/OSS 420 mayinclude policy management and billing/reporting functions. NOC 415 andcore nodes 445 may be connected through various networking connectionsand/or protocols, for example, virtual private LAN service 440.

In communications system 400, multiple mobile users 180 are providednetwork access services via each mobile terminal 170. Mobile users 180may use mobile devices 175 to connect to mobile terminals 170 usingwired or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.) connections. Each mobileuser 180 signs up for network access service via communications system400 according to an SLA and the mobile users 180 are provisioned andallocated system resources of the satellite communications system 400according to their demand and the traffic policies associated with theirSLAs. For example, data traffic streams between each mobile user onairplane 185-b and the Internet 450 may be individually managed so thatQoS for each user is largely unaffected by data usage of other users onairplane 185-b. Management of data traffic streams for each mobile usermay be performed by scheduling transmissions of the data traffic streamsindividually and/or traffic shaping of the data traffic streamsindividually.

In embodiments, satellite communications system 400 manages addressingand traffic flow for mobile devices 175 connected to mobile terminals170 in a way that data traffic for individual mobile devices 175 can beidentified within the satellite provider network 410. In one example,each mobile device 175 is assigned a public IP address (e.g., publicIPv4 or public IPv6 address) and traffic is managed for each mobiledevice 175 based on the assigned public IP addresses. In alternativeembodiments, techniques for creating one or more virtual LANs (VLANs)over satellite communications system 400 may be used to manage trafficflows for mobile devices 175 on an individual basis. For example, aseparate VLAN may be set up for each mobile terminal 170, each user,and/or each mobile device 175, where each VLAN provides a separatevirtual network for traffic to and from the service provider network andthe mobile terminal 170 and/or the mobile devices 175. In this way,traffic for each mobile device of the VLAN can be identified by theservice provider network and managed on a per-user and/or per mobiledevice basis. In yet other alternative embodiments, tunneling protocols(e.g., GRE, etc.) may be used to identify individual traffic streamsassociated with each mobile device 175 in the service provider networkfor managing traffic flow on an individual mobile device and/or mobileuser basis. Each mobile device may be assigned a separate tunnelingprotocol address identifiable to the service provider network whilepayload addresses (e.g., IP address of the mobile terminal 170) formultiple devices may be the same.

Traffic flow management may be performed by scheduling and/or trafficshaping. As described above, scheduling of data traffic for trafficstreams associated with each fixed terminal 130 and each mobile device175 may be based on the resource demands of the traffic streams and theprovisioned service levels for the mobile terminals 130 and the mobileusers 180 associated with each mobile device 175. Thus, resourceallocations for scheduled time periods (frames, epochs, etc.) for eachmobile terminal 170 may be variable portions of resources of a satellitebeam shared with fixed terminals 130 serviced by the satellite beam.

In embodiments, satellite communications system 400 employs forward-linktraffic shaping at the service provider network 410 and/or return-linktraffic shaping at the multi-user satellite terminals 170 as describedin more detail below. Forward-link traffic shaping may be performed foreach mobile device 175 by identifying downstream traffic destined forthe mobile device 175 and managing the traffic flow individually for themobile device according to traffic policies associated with the mobiledevice 175. Forward-link traffic shaping may be performed at the corenodes 445, or in the gateways 115 in some embodiments. Return-linktraffic shaping may be performed individually for each mobile device 175by identifying uplink traffic from each mobile device at the mobileterminal and managing the uplink traffic flow individually for eachmobile device 175 (e.g., based on the user-specific traffic policies ofthe mobile users 180 associated with the mobile devices 175).

In embodiments, functions of the satellite provider network 410 formanaging traffic flow to provide per-user QoS via the multi-usersatellite terminals 170 are performed in the core nodes 445. However,managing traffic flow may be performed in other entities of thesatellite provider network 410 including gateways 115 and/or otherentities.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a core node 445-a for managing traffic flowto provide per-user QoS in accordance with various embodiments. Corenode 445-a may illustrate, for example, aspects of core nodes 445 ofFIG. 4. Core node 445-a may include L2/L3 switch 510, accelerationserver 515, traffic shaper 520, network interface 525 (e.g., accessservice network gateway (ASN-GW), etc.), mobility manager 530, mobileuser acceleration server 535, and/or mobile user traffic shaper 540.Mobility manager 530 may manage mobility of mobile terminals 170 and/ormobile devices 175 (e.g., between satellite beams, etc.).

Core node 445-a may receive traffic from external networks (e.g., theInternet) via network interface 525 and perform traffic shaping and/oracceleration of the traffic for transmission of the traffic to thedestination devices via the satellite(s) 105. Acceleration server 515and mobile user acceleration server 535 may use various protocols foraccelerating network traffic transmitted and received via satellite(s)105. For example, packet payloads may be replaced with an accelerationprotocol configured to allow for various acceleration techniques to beperformed on the payloads. For example, acceleration techniques includecompression, byte caching, prefetching, multicasting, delta coding, andthe like.

In embodiments, the core node 445-a may include separate traffic shapingand acceleration paths for traffic to the fixed satellite subscriberterminals and mobile users as illustrated in FIG. 5. In alternativeembodiments, the functions of mobile user traffic shaper module 540 maybe implemented in traffic shaper module 520 and the functions of mobileuser acceleration server 535 may be implemented in acceleration server515. Traffic shaper 520 may identify and shape FL data traffic streamsfor transmission to fixed terminals 130 and mobile user traffic shaper540 may identify and shape FL data traffic streams to be transmitted tomobile devices associated with mobile users, as described in more detailbelow.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 170-c in accordance withvarious embodiments. Mobile terminal 170-c may illustrate, for example,aspects of the mobile terminals 170 of FIGS. 1 and/or 4. Mobile terminal170-c may include satellite modem 610, return link traffic shaper 615,acceleration server 620, controller 625, and return link scheduler 635.

Satellite modem 610 manages communications between the mobile terminal170-c and satellite(s) 105 via satellite antenna 165-c. Satellite modem610 may be configured to communicate with satellite(s) 105 over one ormore frequency bands (e.g., Ka, Ku, etc.) and may be configured toautomatically orient antenna 165-c to transmit signals to and receivesignals from satellite(s) 105 even when mobile (e.g., mounted on anairplane, boat, etc.). Satellite modem 610 may be configured to receiveservice from a service beam of the satellite system and may beconfigured to switch service between beams (e.g., as controlled bymobility manager 530, etc.) as the mobile terminal 170-c moves within aservice area of the satellite system.

Mobile devices connect to mobile terminal 170 through satellite terminalinterface 630, which may support connection to various access pointsincluding wired and/or wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, andthe like. Controller 625 may receive service requests from mobiledevices 175 and communicate with the service provider network (e.g., viasatellite(s) 105) to receive account information (e.g., trafficpolicies, etc.) for mobile users associated with the mobile devices 175.For example, controller 625 may provide support for users signing up fornew service and/or signing in for service according to an existing SLA.

Acceleration server 620 may perform similar techniques for acceleratingdata traffic transmitted and received over satellite(s) 105 as describedabove with reference to mobile user acceleration server 535.

In embodiments, mobile terminal 170-c supports per-user traffic flowmanagement for communication services provided via mobile terminal170-c. Per-user traffic flow management may include per-user resourcescheduling and/or per-user traffic shaping. In some embodiments, returnlink scheduler 635 receives return link resource allocations for themobile terminal 170-c (e.g., allocated based on resource demands forfixed terminals and mobile users as described above with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B, etc.) and schedules data traffic from mobile devices175 connected to the mobile terminal 170-c for transmission on thereturn link resource allocations. The return link scheduler 635 mayallocate the return link resource allocations among data traffic streamsassociated with the mobile devices 175 according to the user-specifictraffic policies for users associated with each mobile device 175. Forexample, the return link scheduler 635 may allocate the return linkresource allocations according to the user-specific traffic policies,providing return link resources for each mobile device weightedaccording to the user-specific traffic policies associated with themobile device. Additionally or alternatively, the return link scheduler635 may give priority to some types of traffic (e.g., VoIP, streamingmedia, HTTP, etc.) over others.

In some embodiments, mobile terminal 170 includes return link trafficshaper 615 for shaping return link traffic flow on a per-user basisand/or applying fairness policies to return link traffic flows frommultiple mobile devices according to traffic policies associated withthe mobile users. The functionality of return link traffic shaper 615 isdescribed in more detail below.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram 700 illustrating aspects of providingper-user QoS for mobile devices connected to mobile terminals inaccordance with various embodiments. FIG. 7 may illustrate, for example,aspects of systems 100 and/or 400 for providing forward link trafficshaping on a per-user basis for mobile devices 175 connected to a mobileterminal 170.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, multiple satellite terminals 130-a to 130-nmay be provided satellite network access service via a satellite beam705 of a multi-beam satellite 105. One or more CPEs 160 may be connectedto each satellite terminal 130. Each satellite terminal 130 may beassigned a public IP address (e.g., public IPv4 or IPv6 address) and mayprovide NAT services to the connected CPEs 160. Each satellite terminal130 may be associated with terminal-specific traffic policies. Theterminal-specific traffic policies may correspond to an SLA between thesubscriber associated with the terminal and the satellite networkprovider.

In diagram 700, forward link-traffic 710 is received (e.g., from theInternet 450 or other network) at core node 445-b. Core node 445-b mayidentify individual traffic streams (e.g., by destination IP address,VLAN tag, socket port number, etc.) and separate the streams for forwardlink traffic shaping by traffic shaper 520-a and/or mobile trafficshaper 540-a. While traffic shaper 520-a and mobile traffic shaper 540-aare illustrated in FIG. 5 as separate modules, these functions may becombined in a single traffic shaper module in some embodiments.

Mobile devices 175-c-1 to 175-c-n connect to mobile terminal 170-d,which also provides network access service via satellite beam 705 (e.g.,located on an airplane located within the coverage area of beam 705).Each mobile user associated with mobile devices 175-c-1 to 175-c-n mayhave an existing SLA with the satellite network service provider, or maysign up for service upon connecting to mobile terminal 170-d. Whenmobile devices 175-c-1 to 175-c-n connect to mobile terminal 170-d, themobile devices 175 may be associated with user-specific traffic policiesaccording to the SLAs of the mobile users.

Traffic shaper 520-a may manage forward link traffic flow to eachsatellite terminal 130 on a per-terminal basis. For example, datastreams 725-a to 725-n associated with terminals 130-a to 130-n may bereceived at the traffic shaper 520-a. Each data stream 725 may includeforward link data traffic destined for multiple CPEs connected to thesatellite terminal 130. For example, data stream 725-a may include FLdata traffic for CPE 160-a and CPE 160-b in a single data stream with asingle destination address (e.g., public IP address). Data streamtraffic shapers 720 may manage data streams 725 according to the amountof resources requested for data streams 725, the terminal-specifictraffic policies associated with fixed terminals 130, and the amount ofresources requested by other fixed terminals 130 and/or mobile devices175. Data stream traffic shapers 720 output shaped data streams 730 fortransmission via satellite beam 705 to terminals 130. For example, fixedterminal 130-a may be provisioned for service at a PIR of 5 Mb/s. Datastream 725-a may be received at data stream traffic shaper with atraffic rate of 7 Mb/s. Data stream traffic shaper may perform trafficshaping to output shaped data stream 730-a at the PIR for fixed terminal130-a of 5 Mb/s. Terminal 130-a receives shaped data stream 730-a andperforms NAT or other addressing functions and sends the data (e.g.,data 745-a and/or data 745-b) to the appropriate CPE 160.

Mobile traffic shaper 540-a may manage forward link traffic flow to eachmobile device 175 on a per-user basis. As illustrated in FIG. 7, datastreams 750-1 to 750-n may be received at the mobile traffic shaper540-a and the mobile traffic shaper 540-a may identify the data streams750-1 to 750-n as associated with mobile devices 175-c-1 to 175-c-n,respectively. Data stream traffic shapers 740-a to 740-n may manage dataflow of data streams 750-1 to 750-n according to the amount of resourcesrequested for the data streams, the user-specific traffic policies forthe mobile users 180 associated with mobile device 175-c-1 (or set ofmobile devices as described below), and the amount of resourcesrequested by other terminals and/or mobile devices. Data stream trafficshapers 740-a to 740-n output shaped data streams 755-1 to 755-n, fortransmission via satellite beam 705 in data stream 760 to mobileterminal 170-d. Mobile terminal 170-d receives traffic stream 760including shaped data streams 755-1 to 755-n and forwards the individualshaped data streams 755-1 to 755-n (e.g., over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and thelike) to the destination mobile devices 175-c-1 to 175-c-n. Forward linkresources for data stream 760 may be allocated on satellite beam 705 formobile terminal 170-d according to the aggregate resources of the shapeddata streams 755.

Data stream traffic shapers 720, 740 may employ various techniques forcontrolling the volume of traffic of data streams including delayingpackets, dropping packets, packet marking, and/or other techniques. Datastream traffic shapers 720, 740 may also shape traffic streams accordingto traffic classification. For example, data stream traffic shapers 720,740 may give priority to some types of traffic (e.g., VoIP, streamingmedia, HTTP, etc.) over others.

In some embodiments, each illustrated mobile device 175 may includemultiple mobile devices associated with a single SLA. For example, amobile user (or users) may sign up for service according to an SLA andthen register multiple mobile devices for service under the SLA. In thisinstance, the multiple mobile devices may be associated with a singleset of user-specific traffic policies according to the SLA. Thus, themultiple mobile devices associated with the SLA may be treated as asingle device for traffic flow management purposes. As such, the totalforward link data traffic for the multiple mobile devices may be managedaccording to the user-specific traffic policies of the SLA associatedwith the user or users.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram 800 illustrating aspects of return linktraffic shaping for providing per-user QoS for mobile devices connectedto mobile terminals in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 8 mayillustrate, for example, aspects of systems 100 and/or 400 for providingreturn link traffic shaping on a per-user basis for mobile devicesconnected to a mobile terminal 170.

In FIG. 8, mobile devices 175-d-1 to 175-d-n connect to mobile terminal170-e for network access service. Each mobile user of mobile devices175-d-1 to 175-d-n may have an existing SLA with the satellite networkservice provider, or may sign up for service upon connecting to mobileterminal 170-e. When mobile devices 175-d-1 to 175-d-n connect to mobileterminal 170-e, the mobile devices 175 may be associated withuser-specific traffic policies according to the SLAs of the mobileusers. For example, upon receiving a service request (e.g., a new usersigning up for service or a returning user signing in) for a mobiledevice, mobile terminal 170-e may communicate with the satelliteprovider network to receive the user-specific traffic policiesassociated with the user. Subsequently, the user-specific trafficpolicies may be used for return-link traffic shaping of return link datastreams sent from the mobile device.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, multiple return link data streams 830-a to830-n are received at mobile terminal 170-e for transmission to anexternal network (e.g., the Internet). Return link traffic shaper 615-amay individually manage the traffic flows for data streams 830 based onan allocation of resources to satellite modem 610-a, the resourcesrequested by data streams 830, and the user-specific traffic policiesassociated with the users of mobile devices 175. For example, returnlink resource allocations for the service beam that provides service tomobile terminal 170-e may be scheduled by the service provider network.Satellite modem 610-a may request uplink resources in an amount based onthe amount of data traffic in data streams 830 received at the mobileterminal 170-e and the user-specific traffic policies for all users. Forexample, Satellite modem 610-a may request uplink resources for theservice beam based on aggregate resources for transmitting the data indata streams 830, up to a point where the data streams 830 exceed theuser-specific traffic policies. Where data streams 830 exceed theuser-specific traffic policies (e.g., PIR, etc.), the satellite modem610-a may request uplink resources based on the user-specific trafficpolicies instead of the demand requested by the data streams 830. Basedon the congestion of the satellite beam at the time of allocatingresources, the satellite modem 810-a may not be allocated the sameamount requested by the satellite modem 610-a. If the allocated amountis less than the requested amount, the allocated amount may bedistributed among the mobile devices 175 according to the user-specifictraffic policies associated with the mobile devices 175.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a network resource scheduler 900in accordance with various embodiments. The network resource scheduler900 may illustrate, for example, aspects of gateways 115, core nodes445, and/or network operations center 415 of FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and/or 7.The network resource scheduler 900 of the present example includes afixed terminal service request module 905, a mobile user service requestmodule 910, an SLA data store 915, a fixed terminal traffic policymodule 920, a mobile user traffic policy module 925, a satellite beamcapacity module 930, a satellite resource allocation module 935, a fixedterminal network request module 940, a mobile user network requestmodule 945, and a session data store 950. Each of these components maybe in communication with each other, directly or indirectly. In certainexamples, the network resource scheduler 900 may be implemented by asingle physical device or component. Alternatively, the functionality ofthe network resource scheduler 900 may be spread across multiplegeographically separate devices and systems. For example, the satellitebeam capacity module 930, satellite resource allocation module 935, thefixed terminal network request module 940, and/or the mobile usernetwork request module 945 may be implemented at a central core nodethat coordinates communication of the satellite communications systems100 and/or 400 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 4.

The fixed terminal service request module 905 may receive servicerequests from fixed satellite terminals 130. The service requests may beassociated with terminal-specific service level agreements (SLAs). Theterminal-specific SLAs may define, for example, the level of service tobe provided by the satellite network provider to the subscriber of thecommunication service associated with the fixed satellite terminal 130.The level of service may be defined by, for example, rate-based,usage-based, and/or time based service parameters.

The mobile user service request module 910 may receive service requestsfrom mobile devices. The service requests may be associated withuser-specific SLAs of mobile users 180. The mobile users may have anexisting SLA with the satellite networking provider or may sign up forservice according to an SLA upon connecting to one of the mobileterminals.

Fixed terminal traffic policy module 920 may assign terminal-specifictraffic policies to each fixed satellite terminal according to theassociated terminal-specific SLA. The fixed terminal traffic policymodule 920 may retrieve information related to SLAs between thesatellite network service provider and fixed-terminal subscribers fromthe SLA data store 915 for assigning terminal-specific traffic policiesto fixed terminals based on service requests received by fixed terminalservice request module 905. The terminal-specific traffic policies mayspecify traffic flow management parameters (e.g., MinIR, CIR, PIR, etc.)for managing traffic flow to data streams (e.g., FL and/or RL) for eachterminal.

Mobile user traffic policy module 925 may assign user-specific trafficpolicies to each mobile device according to the associated user-specificSLA. The mobile user traffic policy module 925 may retrieve informationrelated to SLAs between the satellite network service provider andmobile users from the SLA data store 915 for assigning user-specifictraffic policies to mobile devices based on service requests received bymobile user service request module 910. The user-specific trafficpolicies may specify traffic flow management parameters (e.g., MinIR,CIR, PIR, etc.) for managing data streams (e.g., FL and/or RL) for eachmobile user. Mobile user traffic policy module 925 may transmituser-specific traffic policies to mobile terminals 170 for trafficmanagement (e.g., scheduling, traffic shaping, etc.) at the mobileterminals 170 according to the user-specific traffic policies.

Fixed terminal network request module 940 may receive resource requestsfrom fixed satellite terminals serviced via a first satellite beam ofthe multi-beam satellite. Each fixed satellite terminal resource requestmay be associated with a data traffic stream. The fixed satelliteresource requests may be associated with FL data traffic streams or RLdata traffic streams.

Mobile user network request module 945 may receive resource requestsfrom mobile devices via a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may beserviced via the first satellite beam. Each mobile device resourcerequest may be for data traffic of a data traffic stream associated witha mobile device connected to the mobile terminal. The mobile deviceresource requests may be associated with FL data traffic streams or RLdata traffic streams

Satellite beam capacity module 930 may identify beam resources of thefirst satellite beam for supporting the resource requests received fromthe fixed satellite terminals and the mobile terminal. The identifiedbeam resources may be a portion of or all beam resources of the firstsatellite beam. The identified beam resources may include, for example,frequency, polarization, and/or time resources for transmission of dataover the first satellite beam.

Satellite resource allocation module 935 may allocate the identifiedbeam resources to the fixed satellite terminals and to the mobile usersconnected to the mobile terminal. The identified beam resources may beallocated according to the amount of the resource requests from each ofthe fixed satellite terminals and mobile users, as well as theterminal-specific traffic policies associated with the fixed satelliteterminals and the user-specific traffic policies associated with themobile users. The amount of resources allocated to fixed and mobileterminals may vary with time and according to demand and trafficpolicies.

FL traffic shaping module 955 may perform forward link traffic shapingfor data traffic streams for the fixed terminals and the mobile users.FL traffic shaping module 955 may include aspects of traffic shapers 520and/or mobile user traffic shapers 540 as described with reference toFIG. 5 and FIG. 7. For example, FL traffic shaping module 955 may shapedata traffic streams for individual fixed terminals based on theterminal-specific traffic policies associated with the fixed terminals.FL traffic shaping module 955 may shape data traffic streams for mobiledevices based on the user-specific traffic policies of the mobile usersassociated with the mobile devices. For example, FL traffic shapingmodule 955 may identify individual forward link data traffic streamsdestined for mobile devices serviced by a mobile terminal 170 based onpublic IP addresses, VLAN tags, and/or tunneling protocol headers of theforward link data traffic streams. One mobile user may be identifiedwith multiple mobile devices and the FL traffic shaping may be performedbased on an aggregated data traffic stream for the mobile devicesassociated with the single mobile user. FL traffic shaping module 955may communicate with session data store 950 for managing traffic flowincluding packet buffering and/or traffic usage profile information.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method 1000 ofallocating resources in a satellite communications system providingper-user QoS for mobile devices and dynamic multiplexing of traffic fromfixed terminals and mobile users on the same satellite beams inaccordance with various embodiments. The method may be performed, forexample, by the components associated with satellite service provider410 of FIG. 4 and/or the network resource scheduler 900 of FIG. 9.

At block 1005 of method 1000, a communication service is provided via amulti-beam satellite. For example, a network access service may beprovided via beams of a multi-beam satellite such as the multi-beamsatellites 105 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 4.

At block 1010, service requests may be received from fixed satelliteterminals. The service requests may be associated with terminal-specificservice level agreements (SLAs). The terminal-specific SLAs may define,for example, the level of service to be provided by the satellitenetwork provider to the subscriber of the communication service. Thelevel of service may be defined by, for example, rate-based,usage-based, and/or time based service parameters.

At block 1015, terminal-specific traffic policies may be assigned at anetwork resource scheduler to each fixed satellite terminal according tothe associated terminal-specific SLA. The terminal-specific trafficpolicies may specify traffic flow management parameters (e.g., MinIR,CIR, PIR, etc.) for managing traffic flow to data streams (e.g., FLand/or RL) for each terminal.

At block 1020, service requests may be received from mobile devices viaone or more mobile terminals. Each mobile terminal may be incommunication with the multi-beam satellite and may be configured toprovide the communication service concurrently to a plurality of mobiledevices. The service requests may be associated with user-specific SLAsof mobile users. The mobile users may have an existing SLA with thesatellite networking provider or may sign up for service according to anSLA upon connecting to one of the mobile terminals.

At block 1025, user-specific traffic policies may be assigned to eachmobile device according to the associated user-specific SLA. Theuser-specific traffic policies may specify traffic flow managementparameters (e.g., MinIR, CIR, PIR, etc.) for managing data streams(e.g., FL and/or RL) for each mobile user.

At block 1030, resource requests may be received from fixed satelliteterminals serviced via a first satellite beam of the multi-beamsatellite. Each fixed satellite terminal resource request may beassociated with a data traffic stream. The fixed satellite resourcerequests may be associated with FL data traffic streams or RL datatraffic streams.

At block 1035, resource requests may be received from mobile devices viaa mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may also be serviced via thefirst satellite beam of the multi-beam satellite. Each mobile deviceresource request may be associated with a data traffic stream. Themobile device resource requests may be associated with FL data trafficstreams or RL data traffic streams.

At block 1040, beam resources of the first satellite beam may beidentified for supporting the fixed satellite resource requests and themobile device resource requests. The identified beam resources may be aportion of or all beam resources of the first satellite beam. Theidentified beam resources may include, for example, frequency,polarization, and/or time resources for transmission of data over thefirst satellite beam.

At block 1045, the identified beam resources may be allocated to thefixed satellite terminals and to the mobile users. The identified beamresources may be allocated according to the amount of the resourcerequests from each of the fixed satellite terminals and mobile users, aswell as the terminal-specific traffic policies associated with the fixedsatellite terminals and the user-specific traffic policies associatedwith the mobile devices. For example, the amount of resources allocatedto fixed and mobile terminals may vary with time and according to demandand traffic policies. Further, data traffic for each mobile user may beindividually scheduled to control QoS for mobile users on a per-userbasis.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method 1100 ofallocating resources in a satellite communications system providingper-user QoS for mobile devices in accordance with various embodiments.The method may be performed, for example, by the components associatedwith satellite service provider 410 of FIG. 4 and/or the networkresource scheduler 900 of FIG. 9.

At block 1105 of method 1100, a communication service is provided via amulti-beam satellite. For example, a network access service may beprovided via beams of a multi-beam satellite such as the multi-beamsatellites 105 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 4.

At block 1110, service requests may be received from mobile devices viaone or more mobile terminals. Each mobile terminal may be incommunication with the multi-beam satellite and may be configured toprovide the communication service concurrently to a plurality of mobiledevices. The service requests may be associated with user-specific SLAsof mobile users associated with the mobile devices. The mobile users mayhave an existing SLA with the satellite networking provider or may signup for service according to an SLA upon connecting to one of the mobileterminals.

At block 1115, user-specific traffic policies may be assigned to eachmobile device according to the associated user-specific SLA. Theuser-specific traffic policies may specify traffic flow managementparameters (e.g., MinIR, CIR, PIR, etc.) for managing data streams(e.g., FL and/or RL) for each mobile user.

At block 1120, resource requests may be received from mobile devices viaa mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may be serviced via a firstsatellite beam of the multi-beam satellite. Each mobile device resourcerequest may be associated with a data traffic stream. The mobile deviceresource requests may be associated with FL data traffic streams or RLdata traffic streams.

At block 1125, beam resources of the first satellite beam may beidentified for supporting the mobile device resource requests. Theidentified beam resources may be a portion of or all beam resources ofthe first satellite beam. The identified beam resources may include, forexample, frequency, polarization, and/or time resources for transmissionof data over the first satellite beam.

Optionally, at block 1130, traffic shaping may be performed for datatraffic streams for each mobile device. For example, forward-linktraffic shaping may be performed by identifying the data traffic streamsdestined for each mobile device (e.g., using public IP addressesassigned to the mobile devices, VLAN tags, tunneling protocol tags,etc.) and managing the traffic flow individually for each mobile deviceaccording to traffic policies associated with the mobile device. Returnlink traffic shaping may be performed at the mobile terminal by applyinguser-specific traffic policies individually to return link data trafficstreams from mobile device(s) associated with each mobile user.

At block 1135, beam resources may be scheduled for transmission ofportions of the data traffic streams to the mobile devices in amountsaccording to their respective resource requests and user-specifictraffic policies as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.Scheduling of beam resources for each data traffic stream associatedwith the mobile devices may also employ traffic prioritization. Forexample, some types of traffic (e.g., VoIP traffic, HTTP traffic, etc.)may be prioritized over other types of traffic for resource scheduling.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method 1200 fordynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users onthe same satellite beams in accordance with various embodiments. Themethod may be performed, for example, by the components associated withsatellite service provider 410 of FIG. 4 and/or the network resourcescheduler 900 of FIG. 9.

At block 1205 of method 1200, a communication service is provided via amulti-beam satellite. For example, a network access service may beprovided via beams of a multi-beam satellite such as the multi-beamsatellites 105 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 4.

At block 1210, a first set of resource requests may be received fromfixed terminals and mobile devices for a first time period. The resourcerequests may be associated with data traffic streams (e.g., FL or RL)for the fixed terminals and mobile devices. The resource requests mayspecify requested resources for the first time period for transmissionof the data traffic streams.

At block 1215, a first portion of beam resources of a first satellitebeam may be scheduled for data traffic streams associated with the fixedterminals and a second portion of beam resources of the first satellitebeam may be scheduled for data traffic streams associated with themobile devices. The first and second portions of beam resources may bescheduled from a commonly provisioned resource pool of the firstsatellite beam.

At block 1220, a second set of resource requests may be received fromfixed terminals and mobile devices for a second time period. Theresource requests may be associated with data traffic streams (e.g., FLor RL) for the fixed terminals and mobile devices. The second set ofresource requests may specify requested resources for the second timeperiod for transmission of the data traffic streams.

At block 1225, a third portion of beam resources may be scheduled fordata traffic streams associated with the fixed terminals and a fourthportion of beam resources may be scheduled for data traffic streamsassociated with the mobile devices. The third and fourth portions ofbeam resources may be scheduled from a commonly provisioned resourcepool. The third portion of beam resources allocated to the fixedterminals for the second time period may be different than the firstportion of beam resources allocated to the fixed terminals for the firsttime period. Similarly, the fourth portion of beam resources allocatedto the mobile users for the second time period may be different than thesecond portion of beam resources allocated to the mobile users for thefirst time period. In embodiments, the portions of beam resourcesallocated to the fixed terminals and mobile terminals are determinedbased on traffic policies associated with the fixed terminals and mobileusers, as well as the demand from the fixed terminals and mobile usersin the resource requests.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method 1300 fordynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users onthe same satellite beams in accordance with various embodiments. Themethod may be performed, for example, by the components associated withsatellite service provider 410 of FIG. 4 and/or the network resourcescheduler 900 of FIG. 9.

At block 1305 of method 1300, a communication service is provided via amulti-beam satellite system. For example, a network access service maybe provided via beams of one or more multi-beam satellites such as themulti-beam satellites 105 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 4.

At block 1310, first fixed resource requests may be received for a firsttime period (e.g., frame, epoch, etc.). The first fixed resourcerequests may be associated with first fixed data traffic streams (e.g.,FL or RL) from a first set of fixed terminals serviced via a firstsatellite beam. The resource requests may specify requested resourcesfor the first time period for transmission of the first fixed datatraffic streams.

At block 1315, first mobile resource requests may be received for thefirst time period. The first mobile resource requests may be associatedwith mobile data traffic streams from a mobile terminal serviced via thefirst satellite beam. The mobile terminal may provide network access viathe multi-beam satellite system for multiple mobile devices. Each of themobile devices may be associated with a mobile user, and mobile usersmay be assigned to user-specific traffic policies according to auser-specific SLA. The resource requests may specify requested resourcesfor the first time period for transmission of the mobile data trafficstreams.

At block 1320, scheduling may be performed for the first satellite beamfor the first time period. For example, a first portion of data trafficof the first fixed data traffic streams may be scheduled on first beamresources of the first satellite beam for the first time period and asecond portion of data traffic of the mobile data traffic streams may bescheduled on second beam resources of the first satellite beam for thefirst time period. The allocation of the first beam resources to thefirst fixed data traffic streams and of the second beam resources of thefirst satellite beam to the mobile data traffic streams may be performedaccording to terminal-specific traffic policies of the first set offixed terminals and user-specific traffic policies of mobile usersassociated with the mobile devices as described above with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B.

At block 1325, second fixed resource requests may be received for asecond time period (e.g., frame, epoch, etc.). The second fixed resourcerequests may be associated with second fixed data traffic streams (e.g.,FL or RL) from a second set of fixed terminals serviced via a secondsatellite beam. The resource requests may specify requested resourcesfor the second time period for transmission of the second fixed datatraffic streams.

At block 1330, second mobile resource requests may be received for thesecond time period for the mobile data traffic streams. The secondmobile resource requests may be for resources of a second satellitebeam. For example, the mobile terminal may have moved from the serviceregion for the first satellite beam to the service region of the secondsatellite beam.

At block 1335, scheduling may be performed for the second satellite beamfor the second time period. For example, a third portion of data trafficof the second fixed data traffic streams may be scheduled on third beamresources of the second satellite beam for the second time period and afourth portion of data traffic of the mobile data traffic streams may bescheduled on fourth beam resources of the second satellite beam for thesecond time period. The allocation of the third beam resources to thesecond fixed data traffic streams and of the fourth beam resources ofthe second satellite beam to the mobile data traffic streams may beperformed according to terminal-specific traffic policies of the secondset of fixed terminals and user-specific traffic policies of mobileusers associated with the mobile devices as described above withreference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method 1400 fordynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users onthe same satellite beams in accordance with various embodiments. Themethod may be performed, for example, by the components associated withsatellite service provider 410 of FIG. 4 and/or the network resourcescheduler 900 of FIG. 9.

At block 1405 of method 1400, a communication service is provided via amulti-beam satellite system. For example, a network access service maybe provided via beams of one or more multi-beam satellites such as themulti-beam satellites 105 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 4.

At block 1410, first resource demands for first mobile data trafficassociated with a plurality of mobile devices may be received for afirst time period. The plurality of mobile devices may be incommunication with one or more multi-user network access terminals(e.g., mobile terminals, etc.) serviced via a first satellite beam of amulti-beam satellite. The plurality of mobile devices may be associatedwith user-specific traffic policies (e.g., according to a user-specificSLA). The first resource demands may indicate requested resources forthe first time period for transmission of the first mobile data traffic.Each of the one or more multi-user network access terminals may providenetwork access for the communication service for a subset of mobiledevices of the plurality of mobile devices.

At block 1415, scheduling may be performed for the first satellite beamfor the first time period. For example, transmission of the first mobiledata traffic on first beam resources of the first satellite beam may bescheduled according to the first resource demands and the user-specifictraffic policies. For example, allocation of the first beam resources tothe one or more multi-user network access terminals may be based on thefirst resource demands and the user-specific traffic policies associatedwith each of the plurality of mobile devices. Portions of the trafficstreams to be transmitted on the first beam resources for the first timeperiod may be determined based on the first resource demands and theuser-specific traffic policies associated with each of the plurality ofmobile devices. For FL traffic streams, transmission of the portions ofthe traffic streams to the one or more multi-user network accessterminals may be performed according to the scheduled first beamresources. For RL traffic streams, the one or more multi-user networkaccess terminals may transmit the portions of the traffic streams usingthe schedule first beam resources.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method 1500 fordynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users onthe same satellite beams in accordance with various embodiments. Themethod may be performed, for example, by the components associated withsatellite service provider 410 of FIG. 4 and/or the network resourcescheduler 900 of FIG. 9.

At block 1505 of method 1500, a communication service is provided via amulti-beam satellite system. For example, a network access service maybe provided via beams of one or more multi-beam satellites such as themulti-beam satellites 105 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 4.

At block 1510, first resource demands for first mobile data trafficassociated with a plurality of mobile devices may be received for afirst time period. The plurality of mobile devices may be incommunication with one or more multi-user network access terminalsserviced via a first satellite beam of a multi-beam satellite. Theplurality of mobile devices may be associated with user-specific trafficpolicies (e.g., according to a user-specific SLA). The first resourcedemands may indicate requested resources for the first time period fortransmission of the first mobile data traffic. Each of the one or moremulti-user network access terminals may provide network access for thecommunication service for a subset of mobile devices of the plurality ofmobile devices.

At block 1515, scheduling may be performed for the first satellite beamfor the first time period. For example, transmission of the first mobiledata traffic on first beam resources of the first satellite beam may bescheduled according to the first resource demands and the user-specifictraffic policies. For example, allocation of the first beam resources tothe one or more multi-user network access terminals may be based on thefirst resource demands and the user-specific traffic policies associatedwith each of the plurality of mobile devices.

At block 1520, second resource demands for second mobile data trafficassociated with a subset of the plurality of mobile devices may bereceived for a second time period. The second resource demands may bereceived from at least one multi-user network access terminal of the oneor more multi-user network access terminals. The at least one multi-usernetwork access terminal may be in communication with the subset of theplurality of mobile devices. The at least one multi-user network accessterminal may be serviced via a second satellite beam of the multi-beamsatellite system for the second time period. For example, the at leastone multi-user network access terminal may have moved from being in theservice region of the first satellite beam at the first time period tobeing in the service region of the second satellite beam at the secondtime period.

At block 1525, scheduling may be performed for the second satellite beamfor the second time period. For example, the second mobile data trafficmay be scheduled on second beam resources of the second satellite beamaccording to the second resource demands and the user-specific trafficpolicies as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.Scheduling of the second mobile data traffic may account for resourcedemands of other fixed satellite terminals and users served by othermulti-user network access terminals serviced by the second satellitebeam.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an example method 1600 fordynamic multiplexing of traffic from fixed terminals and mobile users onthe same satellite beams in accordance with various embodiments. Themethod may be performed, for example, by the components associated withsatellite service provider 410 of FIG. 4 and/or the network resourcescheduler 900 of FIG. 9.

At block 1605 of method 1600, a communication service is provided via amulti-beam satellite system. For example, a network access service maybe provided via beams of one or more multi-beam satellites such as themulti-beam satellites 105 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and/or 4.

At block 1610, first resource demands for first mobile data trafficassociated with a plurality of mobile devices may be received for afirst time period. The plurality of mobile devices may be incommunication with one or more multi-user network access terminalsserviced via a first satellite beam of a multi-beam satellite. Theplurality of mobile devices may be associated with user-specific trafficpolicies (e.g., according to a user-specific SLA). The first resourcedemands may indicate requested resources for the first time period fortransmission of the first mobile data traffic. Each of the one or moremulti-user network access terminals may provide network access for thecommunication service for a subset of mobile devices of the plurality ofmobile devices.

At block 1615, scheduling may be performed for the first satellite beamfor the first time period. For example, transmission of the first mobiledata traffic on first beam resources of the first satellite beam may bescheduled according to the first resource demands and the user-specifictraffic policies. For example, allocation of the first beam resources tothe one or more multi-user network access terminals may be based on thefirst resource demands and the user-specific traffic policies associatedwith each of the plurality of mobile devices.

At block 1620, traffic streams of the first mobile data trafficassociated with each mobile device may be identified for each of theplurality of mobile devices. The traffic streams may be identified usingpublic IP addresses assigned to the mobile devices, VLAN tags, tunnelingprotocol tags, and the like.

Method 1600 may perform forward link traffic shaping and/or return linktraffic shaping at blocks 1625 and 1630. For example, forward linktraffic shaping as described above with reference to FIG. 5 or FIG. 7may be performed at a network resource scheduler for forward linktraffic streams associated with the plurality of mobile devices based onthe user-specific traffic policies associated with the plurality ofmobile devices at block 1625. Additionally or alternatively, return linktraffic shaping as described above with reference to FIG. 6 or FIG. 8may be performed at the mobile terminal for return link traffic streamsassociated with the plurality of mobile devices based on theuser-specific traffic policies associated with the plurality of mobiledevices at block 1630.

As will be readily understood, the components and modules described withreference to various embodiments above may, individually orcollectively, be implemented with one or more Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of theapplicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions may beperformed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other embodiments, other types ofintegrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and other Semi-Custom ICs), which maybe programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unitmay also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodiedin a memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general orapplication-specific processors.

It should be noted that the methods, systems and devices discussed aboveare intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that variousembodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. For instance, it should be appreciated that,in alternative embodiments, the methods may be performed in an orderdifferent from that described, and that various steps may be added,omitted or combined. Also, features described with respect to certainembodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Differentaspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similarmanner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus,many of the elements are exemplary in nature and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of embodiments of the principlesdescribed herein.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details. For example, well-known circuits,processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shownwithout unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a processwhich is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each maydescribe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operationscan be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order ofthe operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional stepsnot included in the figure.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software,firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, orcombinations thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middlewareor microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessarytasks may be stored in a computer-readable medium such as a storagemedium. Processors may perform the necessary tasks.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of theprinciples described herein. For example, the above elements may merelybe a component of a larger system, wherein other rules may takeprecedence over or otherwise modify the application of the principlesdescribed herein. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before,during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, theabove description should not be taken as limiting the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing a network access serviceat a multi-user network access terminal on a vehicle, comprising:establishing, at the multi-user network access terminal, a plurality oflocal connections with a plurality of mobile devices on the vehicle;establishing a network access connection via a satellite beam of asatellite communications system; identifying respective user-specifictraffic policies associated with the plurality of mobile devices;identifying respective return link data streams associated with theplurality of mobile devices comprising data to be sent by the multi-usernetwork access terminal to external networks via the satellite beam;receiving an allocation of resources of the satellite beam for uplinkdata to be sent via the network access connection; and distributing thereceived allocation of resources among the respective return link datastreams based on the respective user-specific traffic policiesassociated with the plurality of mobile devices.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising: performing return link traffic shaping for therespective return link data streams associated with the plurality ofmobile devices according to the respective user-specific trafficpolicies associated with the plurality of mobile devices.
 3. The methodof claim 2, wherein the performing the return link traffic shapingcomprises: identifying respective uplink resource demands of therespective return link data streams; determining an aggregate shapedresource demand based on the respective uplink resource demands and therespective user-specific traffic policies associated with the pluralityof mobile devices; and sending a request for the allocation of resourcesof the satellite beam for uplink data based on the determined aggregateshaped resource demand.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the receivedallocation of resources of the satellite beam for uplink data includesless than the requested aggregate shaped resource demand.
 5. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at the multi-user networkaccess terminal, one or more forward link transmissions comprising dataassociated with respective forward link data streams associated with theplurality of mobile devices, wherein data allocations for each of theplurality of mobile devices within the one or more forward linktransmissions are based on the respective user-specific traffic policiesassociated with the plurality of mobile devices.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein traffic flow is controlled individually for each of the withrespective forward link traffic streams according to the respectiveuser-specific traffic policies by forward link traffic shaping.
 7. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising: identifying each of therespective forward link data streams based on at least one of InternetProtocol (IP) addresses assigned to each of the plurality of mobiledevices, virtual local area network (VLAN) tag addresses assigned toeach of the plurality of mobile devices, or tunneling protocol addressesassigned to each of the plurality of mobile devices.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the user-specific traffic policies comprise at leastone of a minimum information rate (MinIR), a committed information rate(CIR), a peak information rate (PIR), or a maximum amount of data.
 9. Amulti-user network access terminal for providing a network accessservice on a vehicle, comprising: a terminal interface that establishesa plurality of connections with a plurality of mobile devices on thevehicle; a satellite modem coupled with the terminal interface thatestablishes a network access connection via a satellite beam of asatellite communications system; and a return link scheduler coupledwith the terminal interface and the satellite modem that identifiesrespective user-specific traffic policies associated with the pluralityof mobile devices, wherein: the terminal interface identifies respectivereturn link data streams associated with the plurality of mobile devicescomprising data to be sent by the multi-user network access terminal toexternal networks via the satellite beam; the satellite modem receivesan allocation of resources of the satellite beam for uplink data via thenetwork access connection; and the return link scheduler distributes thereceived allocation of resources among the respective return link datastreams based on the respective user-specific traffic policiesassociated with the plurality of mobile devices.
 10. The multi-usernetwork access terminal of claim 9, further comprising: a return linktraffic shaper coupled with the satellite modem and the terminalinterface that performs return link traffic shaping for the respectivereturn link data streams associated with the plurality of mobile devicesaccording to the respective user-specific traffic policies associatedwith the plurality of mobile devices.
 11. The multi-user network accessterminal of claim 10, wherein the return link traffic shaper: identifiesrespective uplink resource demands of the respective return link datastreams; determines an aggregate shaped resource demand based on therespective uplink resource demands and the respective user-specifictraffic policies associated with the plurality of mobile devices; andsends a request for the allocation of resources of the satellite beamfor uplink data based on the determined aggregate shaped resourcedemand.
 12. The multi-user network access terminal of claim 9, whereinthe satellite modem receives one or more forward link transmissionscomprising data associated with respective forward link data streamsassociated with the plurality of mobile devices, and wherein dataallocations for each of the plurality of mobile devices within the oneor more forward link transmissions are based on the respectiveuser-specific traffic policies associated with the plurality of mobiledevices.
 13. The multi-user network access terminal of claim 12, whereintraffic flow is controlled individually for each of the with respectiveforward link data streams according to the respective user-specifictraffic policies by forward link traffic shaping.
 14. The multi-usernetwork access terminal of claim 12, wherein the satellite modemidentifies each of the respective forward link data streams based on atleast one of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses assigned to each of theplurality of mobile devices, virtual local area network (VLAN) tagaddresses assigned to each of the plurality of mobile devices, ortunneling protocol addresses assigned to each of the plurality of mobiledevices.
 15. A multi-user network access terminal for providing anetwork access service on a vehicle, comprising: at least one processor;and a memory in communication with the at least one processor, whereinthe memory comprises instructions that, when executed by the at leastone processor, cause the multi-user network access terminal to:establish a plurality of local connections with a plurality of mobiledevices on the vehicle; establish a network access connection via asatellite beam of a satellite communications system; identify respectiveuser-specific traffic policies associated with the plurality of mobiledevices; identify respective return link data streams associated withthe plurality of mobile devices comprising data to be sent by themulti-user network access terminal to external networks via thesatellite beam; receive an allocation of resources of the satellite beamfor uplink data via the network access connection; and distribute thereceived allocation of resources among the respective return link datastreams based on the respective user-specific traffic policiesassociated with the plurality of mobile devices.
 16. The multi-usernetwork access terminal of claim 15, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted by the at least one processor, cause the multi-user networkaccess terminal to: perform return link traffic shaping for therespective return link data streams associated with the plurality ofmobile devices according to the respective user-specific trafficpolicies associated with the plurality of mobile devices.
 17. Themulti-user network access terminal of claim 16, wherein theinstructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause themulti-user network access terminal to: identify respective uplinkresource demands of the respective return link data streams; determinean aggregate shaped resource demand based on the respective uplinkresource demands and the respective user-specific traffic policiesassociated with the plurality of mobile devices; and send a request forthe allocation of resources of the satellite beam for uplink data basedon the determined aggregate shaped resource demand.
 18. The multi-usernetwork access terminal of claim 17, wherein the received allocation ofresources of the satellite beam for uplink traffic includes less thanthe requested aggregate shaped resource demand.
 19. The multi-usernetwork access terminal of claim 15, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted by the at least one processor, cause the multi-user networkaccess terminal to: receive, at the multi-user network access terminal,one or more forward link transmissions comprising data associated withrespective forward link data streams associated with the plurality ofmobile devices, wherein data allocations for each of the plurality ofmobile devices within the one or more forward link transmissions arebased on the respective user-specific traffic policies associated withthe plurality of mobile devices.
 20. The multi-user network accessterminal of claim 19, wherein traffic flow is controlled individuallyfor each of the with respective forward link data streams according tothe respective user-specific traffic policies by forward link trafficshaping.